Systems and Method for Enabling Selective Use of Illumination Color to Capture Appropriate Data

ABSTRACT

A bioptic barcode reader is disclosed for selective use of illumination color to capture appropriate data. The bioptic barcode reader includes a housing and a primary imager positioned within the housing, configured to scan a target object during a first time period. The bioptic barcode reader further includes a primary illumination source positioned within the housing configured to emit primary illumination in a primary wavelength range during the first time period. The bioptic barcode reader further includes a secondary imager configured to capture one or more images of a target object during a second time period. The bioptic barcode reader further includes a secondary illumination source configured to emit secondary illumination in a secondary wavelength range during the second time period, wherein the second time period and first time period are interleaved and the secondary wavelength range is different from the primary wavelength range.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/505,202, filed on Jul. 8, 2019, and incorporated herein by referencein its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bioptic scanners have long been used to capture barcode data which isthen used to look up the price of the item scanned. Barcode scanning istraditionally performed with monochromatic imaging. In other words, boththe camera and the illumination source operate within a narrow bandwidthof the electromagnetic spectrum. Lasers are typically used as theillumination source to achieve this narrow bandwidth. Barcode scanningwith monochrome imaging is cost effective, and for historic reasons, istraditionally performed in the red region of the visible electromagneticspectrum. However, while bioptic scanners began as laser based systems,they have evolved into digital or camera based systems.

Digital or camera based bioptic imagers may be used for item recognitionpurposes. Contrary to barcode scanning, however, item recognition istypically performed with multicolor imaging. In other words, both thecamera and the illumination source operate within a broad region of thevisible spectrum.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer toidentical or functionally similar elements throughout the separateviews, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated inand form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrateembodiments of concepts that include the claimed invention, and explainvarious principles and advantages of those embodiments.

FIG. 1A illustrates a cross section view of an example bioptic barcodereader in accordance with various embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 1B illustrates an exploded view of the example bioptic barcodereader of FIG. 1A in accordance with various embodiments regardingselective use of illumination color to capture appropriate data asdisclosed herein;

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross section view of the example bioptic barcodereader of FIG. 1A in accordance with various embodiments regardingselective use of illumination color to capture appropriate data asdisclosed herein;

FIG. 3 illustrates a method of using the example bioptic barcode readerof FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B for selective use of illumination color tocapture appropriate data in accordance with various embodimentsdisclosed herein;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example system for synchronizing illumination foran auxiliary camera of a bioptic barcode reader;

FIG. 5A illustrates an example bioptic barcode reader featuring astacked composition of a multicolor camera assembly and a monochromaticcamera assembly;

FIG. 5B is a profile cutaway view of the example bioptic barcode readerof FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A illustrates an example bioptic barcode reader featuring a deepinset composition of a multicolor camera assembly and a monochromaticcamera assembly;

FIG. 6B is a profile cutaway view of the example bioptic barcode readerof FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A illustrates an example composite system of a bioptic barcodereader and a color camera assembly;

FIG. 7B is a profile cutaway view of the example composite system ofFIG. 7A;

FIG. 7C is an exterior illustration of a pole-mounted embodiment of theexample composite system of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A illustrates another example composite system of a biopticbarcode reader and a color camera assembly;

FIG. 8B is a profile view of the example composite system of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9 illustrates a bioptic barcode reading system, in accordance withseveral of the embodiments discussed herein.

FIG. 10 illustrates a conventional bioptic scanning device utilizing aninternal color camera and an internal illumination source, wherein theinternal illumination source interferes with the internal color camera;

FIG. 11A is a front view of an example illumination adapter for use witha bioptic barcode reader;

FIG. 11B illustrates a combined system of the illumination adapter ofFIG. 11A with a bioptic barcode reader;

FIG. 11C is a profile view of the combined system of the illuminationadapter of FIG. 11A with a bioptic barcode reader;

FIG. 12A illustrates a combined system of an illumination adapterfeaturing an imager assembly with a bioptic barcode reader;

FIG. 12B is a profile view of the combined system of FIG. 12A.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures areillustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily beendrawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements inthe figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help toimprove understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

The apparatus and method components have been represented whereappropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only thosespecific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments ofthe present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with detailsthat will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the arthaving the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Traditional bioptic barcode readers do not possess the ability toperform both monochrome and multicolor imaging. Accordingly, there is aneed for solutions that solve issues regarding scanners that cannotprovide both monochromatic and multicolor illumination for a monochromecamera and a color camera, respectively.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a bioptic barcodereader, and related methods, are described for selective use ofillumination color to capture appropriate data. The bioptic barcodereader, and related methods, of the present disclosure provide solutionswhere, e.g., a bioptic barcode reader is required to capture bothbarcode and object image data.

For example, when the bioptic barcode reader activates to capturebarcode data, the monochromatic barcode imager may not register abarcode, e.g., a piece of produce lacking a barcode. In variousembodiments, the disclosure of the present application describes amulticolor imaging system configured to capture color images of objectsfor analysis after the monochromatic barcode imaging process has failedto produce barcode data. The color images may be sent to a host computerfor analysis to provide product identification despite the lack of abarcode. In this way, the disclosure of the present application providesstore personnel at a point of purchase and others the ability toidentify and accurately price products without a barcode.

Other benefits may be realized from the combined monochromatic and colorimaging of the bioptic barcode reader. For example, the bioptic barcodereader of the present application may be used to detect when an objecthas been passed through the bioptic barcode reader without being imaged.The bioptic barcode reader of the present application could then alertstore personnel that a theft event is in progress.

Additionally, the bioptic barcode reader of the present application maybe used to detect when an imaged barcode is improperly affixed to aproduct with the intent to purchase the product at a lower price, i.e.,“ticket switching.” The bioptic barcode reader of the presentapplication would detect an object passing through its optical field ofview (FOV) and activate to capture a barcode. After capturing a barcode,the multicolor imaging system of the bioptic barcode reader wouldactivate to capture a color image of the product. Upon comparison, thebioptic barcode reader of the present application would detect amismatch between the product identified from the color image and theproduct identified in the imaged barcode. The bioptic barcode reader ofthe present application could then alert store personnel the imagedbarcode has been improperly affixed to the imaged product.

Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of anexample bioptic barcode reader 100 in accordance with variousembodiments disclosed herein. Bioptic barcode reader 100 includes ahousing 102 and a primary imager assembly including one or more primaryimagers, represented collectively as elements 104 and 106. These twoprimary imagers may be a vertical imager 104 and a horizontal imager106. The primary imager assembly 104, 106 may include two cameras forthe purpose of capturing 1D or 2D images (e.g., barcodes). The primaryimager assembly 104, 106 is configured to capture one or more firstimages of a barcode associated with a target object during a first timeperiod. Thereafter, for example, a processor (not shown) may analyze theone or more first images of the barcode to decode information from thebarcode. These processors may be contained in the primary imagerassembly or the one or more primary imagers, such that the one or moreprimary imagers may be configured to read one or more barcodesassociated with the one or more target objects.

In certain embodiments, the primary imager assembly 104, 106 is abioptic camera positioned at a surface of a point of sale (POS) station.Additionally, the vertical imager 104 may be a color camera,monochromatic camera, RFID sensor, or any other suitable imaging device.In certain embodiments, the horizontal imager 106 may be a color camera,monochromatic camera, RFID sensor, or any other suitable imaging device.

Bioptic barcode reader 100 further includes a primary illuminationassembly 108. The primary illumination assembly 108 is positioned withinthe housing 102, and is configured to emit a primary illumination duringat least a part of the first time period. In certain embodiments, theprimary illumination assembly 108 is operable in an enabled state and adisabled state. In these embodiments, the primary illumination assembly108 is optimized for reading the one or more barcodes in the enabledstate.

For example, the primary imager assembly 104, 106 may activate tocapture the one or more first images during the first time period.Accordingly, the primary illumination assembly 108 may emit the primaryillumination through a substantially vertical imaging window 110 and/ora substantially horizontal imaging window of the bioptic barcode reader100. The primary illumination assembly 108 may begin emitting theprimary illumination before the first time period, and may continueemitting the primary illumination until the end, before the end, orafter the end of the first time period. Similarly, the primaryillumination assembly 108 may begin emitting the primary illuminationafter the beginning of the first time period, and may stop emitting theprimary illumination before the end, until the end, or after the end ofthe first time period. Moreover, and as discussed further herein, theprimary illumination assembly 108 may emit the primary illumination atintervals (i.e., illumination pulses) before, during, and/or after thefirst time period, but during at least a part of the first time period.

The primary illumination has a primary illumination wavelength range. Incertain embodiments, the primary illumination is monochromaticillumination, and the primary illumination wavelength range is in thenear-infrared spectrum or any other suitable wavelength range to scan 1Dor 2D images, including white light.

The substantially vertical imaging window 110 and the substantiallyhorizontal imaging window 112 define an optical FOV for the biopticbarcode reader 100. For example, this optical FOV may allow the biopticbarcode reader 100 to scan five or more sides of any object passingthrough the optical FOV.

As further described herein, the bioptic barcode reader 100 may beconfigured to automatically activate upon an object's entry into theoptical FOV. In certain embodiments, once the object enters the opticalFOV, the primary illumination assembly 108 may activate to emit theprimary illumination through the substantially vertical imaging window110. The primary imager assembly 104, 106 may then activate to capturean image of the object. It is to be understood however, that activationof the bioptic barcode reader 100 need not be automatic upon an objectentering the optical FOV. Activation of the bioptic barcode reader 100may occur through any suitable means, including manual activation.

Accordingly, activation of the bioptic barcode reader 100, e.g., via anobject entering the optical FOV, may cause the bioptic barcode reader100 to capture image data. Such image data may include, for example,product codes (e.g., barcodes or QR codes) associated with correspondingproducts as well as visual images of the product being scanned, asfurther described herein.

FIG. 1B illustrates an exploded view of the example bioptic barcodereader 100 of FIG. 1A in accordance with various embodiments regardingselective use of illumination color to capture appropriate data asdisclosed herein. Bioptic barcode reader 100 includes a secondary imagerassembly 116 including one or more secondary imagers. The one or moresecondary imagers are configured to capture one or more second images ofthe target object. The one or more secondary imagers are furtherconfigured to capture the one or more second images during a second timeperiod. In certain embodiments, the secondary imager assembly 116 is acolor camera positioned at an area above the surface of the POS station.In other embodiments, the secondary imager assembly 116 is positionedexternally from the housing (e.g., housing 102).

In certain embodiments, the one or more secondary imagers are configuredto capture the one or more secondary images of the one or more targetobjects when the primary illumination assembly 108 is in either of theenabled state or the disabled state. For example, the one or moresecondary imagers may be configured to capture the one or more secondaryimages while the primary illumination assembly 108 is in the enabledstate (i.e., emitting the primary illumination), or using only ambientlight (i.e., without the primary illumination).

To illustrate, if a user wishes to purchase a piece of fruit, the userwill pass any barcode(s) affixed to or otherwise associated with thepiece of fruit through the bioptic barcode reader's 100 FOV. Once thepiece of fruit passes through the bioptic barcode reader's 100 FOV, theprimary imager assembly 104, 106 will activate to capture the one ormore first images of the one or more barcodes of the piece of fruit, andthe primary illumination assembly 108 will emit the primary illumination(i.e., operate in the enabled state). The secondary imager assembly willthen activate to capture the one or more second images of the piece offruit. Accordingly, the secondary imager assembly may activate while theprimary illumination assembly 108 is still emitting the primaryillumination, or may activate after the primary illumination assemblyhas finished emitting the primary illumination.

The second time period is sequenced after or is partially overlappedwith the first time period. Hence, the secondary imager assembly 116 isconfigured to capture the one or more second images of the target objectafter the primary imager assembly 104, 106 has captured the one or morefirst images of the barcode associated with the target object.

For example, and in certain embodiments, the first time period and thesecond time period comprise a duty cycle. Further in this example, thefirst time period comprises a first portion of the duty cycle, and thesecond time period comprises a second portion of the duty cycle. Theprimary imager assembly 104, 106 and the secondary imager assembly 116may be active for the same period of time, and thus each comprise onehalf of the duty cycle of the bioptic barcode reader 100. However, thesecondary imager assembly 116 and the primary imager assembly 104, 106may be active for unequal periods of time, and thus comprise unequalportions of the duty cycle of the bioptic barcode reader 100.

Additionally, the secondary imager assembly 116 may be configured tocapture a landscape and/or portrait image of the target object duringthe second time period. For example, the secondary imager assembly 116in a landscape orientation may be able to achieve capturing the one ormore second images of the target object with a wide horizontal field ofview (FOV) (e.g., horizontal FOV of ˜70 degrees) over the biopticbarcode reader 100 imaging surface. Similarly, the secondary imagerassembly 116 in a portrait orientation may be able to achieve capturingthe one or more second images of the target object with a wide verticalFOV (e.g., vertical FOV of ˜70 degrees) over the bioptic barcode reader100 imaging surface.

In certain embodiments, the secondary imager assembly 116 may beconfigured to activate when a target object enters the optical FOV ofthe bioptic barcode reader 100. It should be understood, that thesecondary imager assembly 116 may be configured to activate before theprimary imager assembly 104, 106.

The data or information captured from either the primary imager assembly104, 106 and/or the secondary imager assembly 116 may be transmitted toPOS stations, servers, or other processing devices for a variety ofpurposes including, e.g., product purchases, data storage, inventorypurposes, etc.

Bioptic barcode reader 100 further includes a secondary imager assemblyholder 118 and a secondary imager assembly opening 120. The secondaryimager assembly holder 118 is designed to couple the secondary imagerassembly 116 with the secondary imager assembly opening 120. Thesecondary imager assembly holder 118 and secondary imager assemblyopening 120 place the secondary imager assembly 116 in a position tocapture the one or more second images of the target object. In certainembodiments, the secondary imager assembly holder 118 may be adjustablebetween portrait and landscape orientations, as discussed herein.

The bioptic barcode reader 100 further includes an adjustable exteriorcovering 122. The adjustable exterior covering 122 may be a part of thehousing 102, and may be detachable from the remainder of the biopticbarcode reader 100. For example, in certain embodiments, when portraitorientation images are desired, the adjustable exterior covering 122 maybe removed, and the secondary imager assembly holder 118 may be adjustedto facilitate the secondary imager assembly 116 capturing the one ormore second images in a portrait orientation.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross section view of the example bioptic barcodereader 100 of FIG. 1A in accordance with various embodiments regardingselective use of illumination color to capture appropriate data asdisclosed herein. Bioptic barcode reader 100 includes the primaryillumination assembly 108 and a secondary illumination assembly 204. Thesecondary illumination assembly 204 is configured to emit a secondaryillumination during at least a part of the second time period. Thesecondary illumination has a secondary illumination wavelength range,which is different from the primary wavelength range of the primaryillumination emitted by the primary illumination assembly 108. Incertain embodiments, the secondary illumination assembly 204 ispositioned externally from the housing (e.g., housing 102).

In certain embodiments, the secondary illumination is multicolorillumination. in these embodiments, the secondary wavelength rangeincludes a composition of wavelengths sufficient to create substantiallywhite light. For example, the secondary wavelength range may include acomposition of light from the blue and yellow ranges of the visiblespectrum to create a type of substantially white light.

The bioptic barcode reader 100 illustrated in FIG. 2. further includes aprimary controller 206 configured to control the primary illuminationfrom the primary illumination assembly 108. For example, the primarycontroller 206 may activate the primary illumination assembly 108 oncethe target object enters the optical FOV.

The bioptic barcode reader 100 illustrated in FIG. 2 further includes asecondary controller 208 configured to control the secondaryillumination of the secondary illumination assembly 204. The secondarycontroller 208 is separate from the primary controller 206. For example,the secondary controller 208 may activate the secondary illuminationassembly 204 after the primary controller 206 has activated anddeactivated the primary illumination assembly 108. In certainembodiments, the secondary controller 208 may activate the secondaryillumination assembly 204 once the target object enters the optical FOV.In other embodiments, the primary controller 206 and secondarycontroller 208 may activate the primary illumination assembly 108 andthe secondary illumination assembly 204 simultaneously.

In certain embodiments, the bioptic barcode reader 100 may comprise acontroller configured to sequentially capture (i) a plurality of primaryimages of the one or more barcodes with the primary imager assembly and(ii) a plurality of the one or more images with the secondary imagerassembly, wherein the plurality of primary images of the one or morebarcodes are sequenced between the plurality of the one or moresecondary images. For example, the bioptic barcode reader 100 may take aseries of the one or more first images and the one or more second imagesin a staggered fashion, where capturing one of the one or more firstimages is followed sequentially by capturing one of the one or moresecond images, and so on. In these embodiments, for example, the primarycontroller 206 or the secondary controller 208, alone or in combination,may perform this function.

Moreover, in these embodiments, the controller is further configured tooutput a trigger signal to the secondary imager assembly 116 to enablefunctionality of the second imager assembly 116 to capture the pluralityof the one or more secondary images. For example, the controller mayreceive a signal from the primary imager assembly 104, 106, indicatingthat the primary imager assembly 104, 106 has captured one of the one ormore first images. Alternatively, the controller may also monitor athreshold (e.g., the first time period) associated with the primaryimager assembly 108 capturing one of the one or more first images. Oncethe controller detects that the primary imager assembly 108 has breachedthe threshold (e.g., controller has not received a signal indicating asuccessful capture of one of the one or more first images during orafter the first time period), the controller may output the triggersignal.

The bioptic barcode reader 100 illustrated in FIG. 2 further includes amonitoring circuit 202 communicatively coupled to the primary controller206 and the secondary controller 208. As further discussed herein, afterthe primary controller 206 deactivates the primary illumination assembly108, the primary controller 206 sends a primary signal to the monitoringcircuit 202. The primary signal indicates to the monitoring circuit 202that the primary illumination assembly 108 has been deactivated. Themonitoring circuit 202 then generates and sends a secondary signal tothe secondary controller 208 to indicate the secondary illuminationsource 204 should be activated. Finally, upon receipt of the secondarysignal, the secondary controller 208 activates the secondaryillumination source 204. Thus, the secondary signal is sequenced afterthe primary signal.

FIG. 3 illustrates a method of using the example bioptic barcode reader100 for selective use of illumination color to capture appropriate datain accordance with various embodiments disclosed herein. Method 300begins at block 302, where, for example, the primary illuminationassembly 108 emits the primary illumination, having a primary wavelengthrange, during at least a part of a first time period. For example, andas discussed herein, the primary illumination assembly 108 may beginemitting the primary illumination before or during the first timeperiod, and may stop emitting the primary illumination before the end,at the end, or after the end of the first time period.

As mentioned in reference to FIG. 1A, the primary illumination assembly108 may emit the primary illumination at intervals (i.e., illuminationpulses) before, during, and/or after the first time period, but duringat least a part of the first time period. For example, if the first timeperiod is 1 second in duration, the primary illumination assembly 108may emit the primary illumination at intervals before, during, and/orafter that one second. To illustrate, the primary illumination assembly108 may emit a first illumination pulse at the beginning of the 1 secondof the first time period. The first illumination pulse may last 10milliseconds (ms), such that 990 milliseconds of the first time periodremain after the first illumination pulse. Hence, the primaryillumination assembly 108 may then emit a second illumination pulse of10 ms after 400 ms of the first time period have elapsed, such that 590ms of the first time period remain after the second illumination pulse.

At block 304, method 300 includes capturing the one or more first imagesof a barcode associated with the target object during the first timeperiod with the primary imager assembly 104, 106 including the one ormore primary imagers positioned within the housing. The barcodeassociated with the target object may be one or more barcodes, and thebarcode may not be attached to the target object. For example, if a userwishes to purchase an item that is cumbersome or cannot otherwise bebrought to a POS station, the user may take one or more barcodesassociated with that object to the POS station to execute the purchase.

At block 306, method 300 includes emitting the secondary illuminationhaving the secondary wavelength range during at least a part of thesecond time period. The secondary illumination is emitted by thesecondary illumination assembly 204.

At block 310, method 300 includes capturing the one or more secondimages of the target object during the second time period with thesecondary imager assembly 116 including one or more secondary imagers.Returning to the fruit example discussed herein, the user may place thepiece of fruit in the POV of the bioptic barcode reader 100 in anattempt to scan one or more barcodes that may be affixed to the fruit'ssurface. However, if the piece of fruit lacks a decodable barcode (e.g.,the piece of fruit's barcode is obscured, defaced, or otherwiseundiscernible, or the piece of fruit lacks a barcode entirely), the oneor more first images will not identify the fruit, and the user will notcomplete their transaction.

Thus, the one or more second images, as captured by the secondary imagerassembly 116, may still positively identify the piece of fruit based onimage analysis of the fruit's visual appearance. Simply put, the biopticbarcode reader 100 may identify the target object through image analysis(i.e., machine learning, neural networks, etc.) if the target objectlacks a decodable barcode.

Additional embodiments, features, or functionality may also beimplemented for method 300 in accordance with the disclosures herein forthe bioptic barcode reader 100 or as described elsewhere herein.Furthermore, the functions or operations shown in FIG. 3 may beperformed in any suitable order, any desired number of times, and/orwith any suitable variation to the particular order and/or combinationshown so as to achieve a desired result, such as a desired manner ofoperating a bioptic barcode reader.

Camera systems are being increasingly incorporated into POS stations.These systems are desired primarily for their machine visionapplications (e.g., fruit identification, AR database building, etc.)and anti-theft applications (e.g., sweethearting, ticket-switching,etc.). Ideally, a camera system for those applications is placed so thatit can view objects crossing the platter of a bioptic scanner at thePOS.

However, this can be an issue since the Bioptic scanners utilize aflashing illumination that is duty cycled to correspond to the imagingsensor frames for each field of view. An auxiliary camera that ismonitoring that location will end up seeing flashes of illumination thatdo not correspond to its own image capture frames.

Especially with machine vision applications, this can be problematic,because it can create flashes that blind the camera, illuminationhotspots on the item, or, in the case of red illumination, change thecolor appearance of the item in question. This creates a multitude ofissues that prevent a customer from using a camera that isn't fullyintegrated with whatever bioptic scanning system they utilize.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example system 400 for synchronizing illuminationfor an auxiliary camera of a bioptic barcode reader. The example system400 includes a barcode reader 402 and an external imaging device 404.The external imaging device 404 may be any suitable imaging device(e.g., camera, video camera, IR sensor, depth sensor, etc.).

The barcode reader 402 includes a housing 406, a primary imagingassembly 408, a primary illumination assembly 410, a controller 412, andan external-device-interface 414. Both of the primary imaging assembly408 and the primary illumination assembly 410, are positioned within thehousing 406. The external-device-interface 414 is positioned at leastpartially within the housing, and the controller 412 may be positionedcompletely within, partially within, or completely outside the housing.

The primary imaging assembly 408 is configured to capture a plurality ofimages of an environment appearing within a FOV of the primary imagingassembly 408. The plurality of images may all be captured consecutively,or, as discussed further herein, may be sequenced according to signalstransmitted by the controller 412. Moreover, the environment appearingwithin the FOV of the primary imaging assembly 408 may include a targetobject. For example, a user may attempt to purchase an item at a POSstation by passing the item through the FOV of the primary imagingassembly 408. The primary imaging assembly 408 may then capture aplurality of images of the environment appearing within its FOV, whichincludes the target object.

The primary imaging assembly 408 is further configured to capture theplurality of images at a predetermined framerate. For example, theprimary imaging assembly 408 may be configured to capture the pluralityof images at a framerate of 60 frames per second (fps). As furtherdiscussed herein, this predetermined framerate may be communicated tothe primary imaging assembly 408 by, for example, the controller 412.

In certain embodiments, the primary imaging assembly 408 may include oneor more primary imagers. The one or more primary imagers may beconfigured to capture the a plurality of first images of the environmentappearing within the FOV during a scanning session. The scanning sessionincludes one or more frames, and the one or more primary imagerscaptures each of the plurality of first images during a respective firstduration of each of the one or more frames of the scanning session. Inthese embodiments, the primary imaging assembly 408 is also configuredto capture the plurality of first images at a predetermined framerate.

The primary illumination assembly 410 is configured to provide primaryillumination over at least a portion of the environment appearing withinthe FOV of the primary imaging assembly 408. The primary illuminationmay be composed of any combination of wavelengths of light operable toallow the primary imaging assembly 408 to capture the plurality ofimages. For example, the primary illumination may be multicolorillumination, such as a composition of wavelengths sufficient to createsubstantially white light. To illustrate, the primary illumination mayinclude a composition of light from the blue and yellow ranges of thevisible spectrum to create a type of substantially white light. Inanother example, the primary illumination may be monochromatic, such aslight from the red range of the visible spectrum.

Additionally, the at least a portion of the environment appearing withinthe FOV of the primary imaging assembly 408 may be any portionsufficient to allow the primary imaging assembly 408 to capture theplurality of images. For example, the at least a portion of theenvironment may include the portion of the environment that, asdiscussed further herein, includes the target object. To illustrate, ifa user attempts to purchase an item at a POS station by passing the itemthrough the FOV of the primary imaging assembly 408, the primaryillumination assembly 410 may provide the primary illumination over theportion of the FOV such that the item is fully or partially illuminatedby the primary illumination.

In certain embodiments, the primary illumination assembly 410 isconfigured to provide the primary illumination to at least a portion ofthe environment, wherein the primary illumination assembly provides theprimary illumination as a series of primary illumination pulses. Theseries of primary illumination pulses is emitted during a respectivesecond duration of each of the one or more frames of the scanningsession. Moreover, in these embodiments, the respective second durationis different from the respective first duration.

The controller 412 is communicatively coupled to the primary imagingassembly 408, the primary illumination assembly 410, and theexternal-device-interface 414. The controller 412 also includes aprocessor 416 and a memory 418. (Although referenced herein as a“processor” and a “memory,” it should be understood that a processor maybe one or more processors, and a memory may be one or more memories.)

The memory 418 stores instructions that, when executed by the processor416, cause the controller 412 to transmit an image-capture signal to theprimary imaging assembly 408. The image-capture signal causes theprimary imaging assembly 408 to capture a series of primary imageframes. Each of the series of primary image frames is captured over arespective first duration D1. Each of the series of primary image framesis separated from another one of the series of primary image frames by arespective second duration D2. A beginning of each of the series ofprimary image frames is separated from a beginning of each subsequentone of the series of primary image frames by a third duration D3.

To illustrate, the respective first duration, D1, is the duration whenthe primary imaging assembly 408 captures a series of primary imageframes. After the respective first duration, the primary imagingassembly 408 stops capturing the series of primary image frames over arespective second duration, D2. After the respective second duration,the primary imaging assembly 408 has reached a subsequent respectivefirst duration, D1, during which, the primary imaging assembly 408captures another series of primary image frames. The combination of therespective first duration, D1, and the respective second duration, D2,is encapsulated in the respective third duration, D3, which defines thetotal separation between each of the series of primary image frames.

The memory 418 stores instructions that, when executed by the processor416, further cause the controller 412 to transmit aprimary-illumination-on signal to the primary illumination assembly 410.The primary-illumination-on signal causes the primary illuminationassembly 410 to emit the primary illumination. The primary illuminationhas a series of primary illumination pulses, and each of the series ofprimary illumination pulses is emitted over a respective fourth durationD4. Each of the series of primary illumination pulses is separated fromanother one of the series of primary illumination pulses by a respectivefifth duration D5. It should be understood that, in various embodiments,the controller 412 may transmit the primary-illumination-on signal tothe primary illumination assembly 410 before or after the controller 412transmits the image-capture signal to the primary imaging assembly 408.

To illustrate, the respective fourth duration, D4, is the duration whenthe primary illumination assembly 410 emits a series of primaryillumination pulses. After the respective fourth duration, the primaryillumination assembly 410 stops emitting the primary illumination pulsesover the respective fifth duration, D5. After the respective fifthduration, the primary illumination assembly 410 has reached a subsequentrespective fourth duration, D4, during which, the primary illuminationassembly 410 emits another series of primary illumination pulses.

In certain embodiments, the respective first duration D1 is equal to therespective fourth duration D4. For example, in these embodiments, theprimary imaging assembly 408 will capture a series of primary imageframes for the same amount of time that the primary illuminationassembly 410 will emit a series of primary illumination pulses. In thisway, the primary imaging assembly 408 will capture each of the series ofprimary image frames with primary illumination from the primaryillumination assembly 410.

Similarly, in these embodiments, the respective second duration D2 isequal to the respective fifth duration D5. For example, in theseembodiments, the primary imaging assembly 408 will stop capturing aseries of primary image frames for the same amount of time that theprimary illumination assembly 410 will stop emitting the primaryillumination pulses. In this way, the primary illumination assembly 410will not provide primary illumination pulses over a duration when theprimary imaging assembly 408 is not capturing a series of primary imageframes (i.e., when the primary illumination pulses would beunnecessary).

In certain embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the processor416, further cause the controller 412 to transmit the image-capturesignal to the primary imaging assembly 408 to cause the primary imagingassembly 408 to capture the series of primary image frames. Each of theseries of primary image frames are captured over the respective firstduration. Further in these embodiments, the instructions, when executedby the processor 416, further cause the controller 412 to transmit theprimary-illumination-on signal to cause the primary illuminationassembly 410 to emit the primary illumination during the respectivesecond duration. Still further in these embodiments, the instructions,when executed by the processor 416, further cause the controller 412 totransmit, substantially concurrently with the transmission of theprimary-illumination-on signal, an interleave signal to theexternal-device-interface 414. The interleave signal is operative tocommunicate, via the external-device-interface 414, at least onecharacteristic associated with at least one of theprimary-illumination-on signal and the image-capture signal. Moreover,the controller 412 may iteratively perform outputting theprimary-illumination-on signal, outputting the image-capture signal, andtransmitting the interleave signal for each respective frame of thescanning session.

In certain embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the processor416, further cause the controller 412 to transmit the image-capturesignal to the primary imaging assembly 408 before the controllertransmits the primary-illumination-on signal to the primary illuminationassembly 410. In other embodiments, the instructions, when executed bythe processor 416, further cause the controller 412 to transmit both theprimary-illumination-on signal to the primary illumination assembly 410and transmit the image-capture signal to the primary imaging assembly408 simultaneously.

The memory 418 stores instructions that, when executed by the processor416, further cause the controller 412 to transmit, substantiallyconcurrently with the transmission of the primary-illumination-onsignal, an interleave signal to the external-device-interface 414. Theinterleave signal is operative to communicate, via theexternal-device-interface 414, at least one characteristic associatedwith at least one of the primary-illumination-on signal and theimage-capture signal.

To illustrate, the controller 412 may transmit the interleave signal tothe external-device interface 414 to provide information to the externalimaging device 404. Further, the controller 412 may transmit theinterleave signal substantially concurrently with the transmission ofthe primary-illumination-on signal to provide the information to theexternal imaging device 404 as quickly as possible.

For example, if the external imaging device 404 is a camera, byproviding the information to the external imaging device 404 in thisway, the interleave signal enables the external imaging device 404 tosynchronize the external imaging device's 404 capture frames in betweenthe illumination flashes of the barcode reader 402 (i.e., the series ofillumination pulses emitted by the primary illumination assembly 410).In other words, the interleave signal enables the external imagingdevice 404 to limit the external imaging device's 404 exposures to avoidthe series of primary illumination pulses saturating or otherwiseaffecting the external imaging device's 404 exposures.

In certain embodiments, the at least one characteristic is at least oneof a length of (i) the respective first duration D1, (ii) the respectivesecond duration D2, (iii) the respective third duration D3, (iv) therespective fourth duration D4, and (v) the respective fifth duration D5.For example, the at least one characteristic may be the length of therespective first duration D1 such that the interleave signalcommunicates the length of the duration when the primary imagingassembly 408 captures a series of primary image frames. This wouldenable the external imaging device 404 to, for example, limit theexternal imaging device's 404 exposures to durations when the primaryimaging assembly 408 stops capturing the series of primary image frames(e.g., the respective second duration D2). Alternatively, the externalimaging device 404 may use the length of the respective first durationD1 to intentionally limit the external imaging device's 404 exposures tothe respective first durations D1. If, for example, the external imagingdevice 404 uses a similar illumination to the primary imaging assembly408, the external imaging device 404 may capitalize on that fact byexposing the external imaging device 404 at the same time as the primaryimaging assembly 408.

In another example, the at least one characteristic may be the length ofthe respective second duration D2 such that the interleave signalcommunicates the length of the duration over which each of the series ofprimary image frames is separated from another one of the series ofprimary image frames. Similar to the length of the respective firstduration, transmitting the length of the respective second durationwould enable the external imaging device 404 to, for example, limit theexternal imaging device's 404 exposures to durations when the primaryimaging assembly 408 stops capturing the series of primary image frames.

In another example, the at least one characteristic may be the length ofthe respective third duration D3 such that the interleave signalcommunicates the length of the duration over which the beginning of eachof the series of primary image frames is separated from a beginning ofeach subsequent one of the series of primary image frames. Transmittingthe respective third duration would enable the external imaging device404 to, for example, limit the external imaging device's 404 exposuresbased on the length of the total duration of each primary image frame.

In another example, the at least one characteristic may be the length ofthe respective fourth duration D4 such that the interleave signalcommunicates the length of the duration over which the primaryillumination assembly 410 emits a series of primary illumination pulses.This would enable the external imaging device 404 to, for example, limitthe external imaging device's 404 exposures to durations when theprimary illumination assembly 410 stops emitting the series of primaryillumination pulses. If the external imaging device 404 is configured tocapture images with a form of light other than the light provided by theprimary illumination assembly 410, then the external imaging device 404can limit its exposure to durations in the primary image frame otherthan the respective fourth duration.

In another example, the at least one characteristic may be the length ofthe respective fifth duration D5 such that the interleave signalcommunicates the length of the duration over which each of the series ofprimary illumination pulses is separated from another one of the seriesof primary illumination pulses. Transmitting the respective fifthduration would enable the external imaging device 404 to, for example,limit the external imaging device's 404 exposures to durations in theprimary image frame completely or partially comprising the respectivefifth duration.

Owners of a bioptic scanner may wish to integrate a color camera inorder to accomplish several tasks. Namely, this includes: productrecognition to build a neural network database, vegetable identificationfor easier self-checkout, catching sweethearting, and ticket-switching.To best serve these purposes, it is desirable to have a color camerathat has a good FOV coverage across, above, and to the sides of theplatter area. Thus, a larger FOV is generally preferable.

However, the larger the required FOV becomes, the fewer locations areavailable to place the color camera with respect to the bioptic.Moreover, a larger FOV combined with a limited number of availablelocations can give rise to other problems. For example, if a singleimaging system is unable to capture a full image of a target object, acomposite image may be generated through image processing algorithms(e.g., image stitching). Traditional image stitching algorithms sufferfrom a lack of ability (or at least a lack of efficiency) to analyze andproperly stitch images of a particular item that are taken fromdifferent distances from the item.

FIG. 5A illustrates an example bioptic barcode reader 500 featuring astacked composition of a multicolor camera assembly and a monochromaticcamera assembly. The example bioptic barcode reader 500 includes ahousing 502. The bioptic barcode reader 500 further includes a primaryimager assembly 504, a primary illumination assembly 506, a controller508, and a secondary imager assembly (represented collectively by afirst secondary imager 510, and a second secondary imager 512).

The primary imager assembly 504 includes one or more primary imagers,each of which is positioned within the housing 502. Each of the one ormore primary imagers is configured to capture one or more first imagesof one or more barcodes of one or more target objects.

The primary illumination assembly 506 is positioned within the housing502, and is operable in an enabled state and a disabled state. Theprimary illumination assembly 506 is configured to emit a primaryillumination optimized for capturing the one or more first images of theone or more barcodes in the enabled state. For example, in the enabledstate, the primary illumination assembly 506 may emit the primaryillumination as a combination of a variety visible spectrum wavelengths(e.g., a combination of wavelengths to produce substantially whitelight) or a monochromatic visible spectrum wavelength (e.g., red light).In certain embodiments, the primary illumination assembly 506 emitsprimary illumination which is monochromatic illumination includingnear-infrared light.

The secondary imager assembly 510, 512 is configured to capture one ormore second images of the one or more target objects when the primaryillumination assembly is in either of the enabled state or the disabledstate. However, in certain embodiments, the secondary imager assembly510, 512 is configured to capture one or more second images of the oneor more target objects only when the primary illumination assembly 506is in the disabled state. The first secondary imager 510 is positionedwithin the housing 502, and the first secondary imager 510 has a firstoptical FOV 514.

The second secondary imager 512 has a second optical FOV 516, and ispositioned above the housing 502. Specifically, the second secondaryimager 512 is positioned above the housing 502 such that an overlap ofthe first optical FOV 514 with the second optical FOV 516 occursapproximately equidistant from both the first secondary imager 510 andthe second secondary imager 512. In certain embodiments, the secondsecondary imager 512 is adjustably positioned above the housing 502.

To illustrate, and in reference to FIG. 5B, both the first optical FOV514 and the second optical FOV 516 extend away from both the firstsecondary imager 510 and the second secondary imager 512. Moreover, asthe optical FOVs 514, 516 extend away from the secondary imager assembly510, 512, the optical FOVs 514, 516 expand in both a vertical andhorizontal (not shown) fashion with respect to the bioptic barcodereader 500. Hence, the second secondary imager 512 is positioned abovethe housing 502 such that, as the optical FOVs 514, 516 extend away fromthe secondary imager assembly 510, 512 and expand, the optical FOVs 514,516 overlap at a point approximately equidistant from both the firstsecondary imager 510 and the second secondary imager 512.

The second secondary imager's 512 positioning is advantageous because itallows for more effective and efficient image stitching. For example, ifa user attempts to purchase an large item (e.g., target object) at a POSstation (e.g., bioptic barcode reader 500), the imaging equipment (e.g.,secondary imager assembly 510, 512) of the POS station may have tocapture multiple images (e.g., one or more second images) of the largeitem to acquire a complete image of the large item. Each of thesemultiple images will feature at least some different regions of thelarge item, and will then be combined (i.e., image stitching) to allowthe POS station to analyze the complete image for item recognitionpurposes.

Because the second secondary imager 512 is positioned above the housing502 such that the optical FOVs 514, 516 overlap approximatelyequidistantly from both components of the secondary imager assembly 510,512, the secondary imager assembly 510, 512 will appear to capture themultiple images from an approximately equidistant perspective, relativeto the large item. Thus, stitching the multiple images together toproduce a composite image of the large item is greatly improved becausestitching process can simply align similar portions of images withoutthe need to resize or otherwise alter the images.

In certain embodiments, the housing 502 includes an upright scanningtower 518. In these embodiments, the overlap of the first optical FOV514 with the second optical FOV 516 occurs proximately to a top forwardcorner of the upright scanning tower 518. For example, and asillustrated in FIG. 5B, the upright scanning tower 518 contains at leastthe primary illumination assembly 506, the first secondary imager 510,and has edges defined by the housing 502. In this example, the “top” ofthe upright scanning tower 518 is the portion of the upright scanningtower 518 that is facing the second secondary imager 512, and “forward”indicates a direction parallel with the direction in which the opticalFOVs 514, 516 expand, as discussed herein.

FIG. 6A illustrates an example bioptic barcode reader 600 featuring adeep inset composition of a multicolor camera assembly and amonochromatic camera assembly. The example bioptic barcode reader 600includes a housing 602. The housing 602 further includes a substantiallyhorizontal imaging window 604 and a substantially vertical imagingwindow 606. The substantially horizontal imaging window 604 defines animaging plane. In reference to FIG. 6B, the substantially verticalimaging window 606 includes a top edge 614 and a bottom edge 616.

The bioptic barcode reader 600 further includes, a primary imagerassembly 608, a primary illumination assembly 610, and a secondaryimager assembly 612. The primary imager assembly 608 includes one ormore primary imagers (not shown) positioned within the housing 602. Theone or more primary imagers are configured to capture one or more firstimages of one or more barcodes of one or more target objects.

The primary illumination assembly 610 is positioned within the housing,and is operable in an enabled state and a disabled state. Further, theprimary illumination assembly 610 is configured to, in the enabledstate, emit a primary illumination optimized for capturing the one ormore first images of the one or more barcodes. For example, in theenabled state, the primary illumination assembly 610 may emit theprimary illumination as a combination of a variety visible spectrumwavelengths (e.g., a combination of wavelengths to produce substantiallywhite light) or a monochromatic visible spectrum wavelength (e.g., redlight). In certain embodiments, the primary illumination ismonochromatic illumination including near-infrared light.

The secondary imager assembly 612 includes one or more secondary imagers(not shown) configured to capture one or more second images of the oneor more target objects when the primary illumination assembly is ineither of the enabled state or the disabled state. However, in certainembodiments, the secondary imager assembly 612 is configured to captureone or more second images of the one or more target objects only whenthe primary illumination assembly 610 is in the disabled state.

Moreover, and in reference to FIG. 6B, the one or more secondary imagersof the secondary imager assembly 612 include an optical FOV 618 throughthe vertical imaging window 606. The secondary imager assembly 612 ispositioned within the housing 602 substantially linearly with theimaging plane such that the optical FOV 618 extends substantially fromthe bottom edge 616 and substantially to the top edge 614 of thesubstantially vertical imaging window 606. In certain embodiments, thesecondary imager assembly 612 is adjustably positioned within thehousing 602 substantially linearly with the imaging plane such that theoptical FOV 618 extends at least from the bottom edge 616 to the topedge 614 of the substantially vertical imaging window 606.

The secondary imager assembly 612 is positioned as illustrated in FIG.6B to achieve an increased effective imaging area for the biopticbarcode reader 600. To illustrate, the bioptic barcode reader 600 has aneffective imaging area based on the areas the imaging assemblies 608,612 are able to clearly view through the imaging windows 604, 606. Thelarger the effective imaging area of the bioptic barcode reader 600becomes, the more effective the bioptic barcode reader 600 becomes atdetecting and/or reading barcodes. Correspondingly, positioning thesecondary imager assembly 612 within the housing 602, as described aboveand as illustrated in FIG. 6B, increases the area the secondary imagerassembly 612 is able to view through the substantially vertical imagingwindow 606. When one or more target objects pass through the biopticbarcode reader 600 (e.g., a customer purchasing multiple items at a POSstation), the one or more secondary imagers of the secondary imagerassembly 612 will be more likely to successfully capture the one or moresecond images of the one or more target objects. Thus, positioning thesecondary imager assembly 612 as described above, and as illustrated inFIG. 6B, achieves a more effective bioptic barcode reader 600 because itincreases the effective imaging area of the bioptic barcode reader 600.

FIG. 7A illustrates an example composite system 700 of a bioptic barcodereader 702 and a color camera assembly (e.g., secondary imager assembly704). The bioptic barcode reader 702 includes a housing 706, whichincludes a scanning platform 708 and an upright scanning tower 710.

The bioptic barcode reader 702 further includes a primary imagerassembly 712. The primary imager assembly 712 includes one or moreprimary imagers (not shown). The one or more primary imagers arepositioned within the housing 706, and are configured to capture one ormore first images of one or more barcodes of one or more target objects.

The bioptic barcode reader 702 further includes a primary illuminationassembly 714. The primary illumination assembly 714 is positioned withinthe housing 706 and is operable in an enabled state and a disabledstate. The primary illumination assembly 714 is configured to, in theenabled state, emit primary illumination optimized for capturing the oneor more first images of the one or more barcodes. For example, in theenabled state, the primary illumination assembly 714 may emit theprimary illumination as a combination of a variety visible spectrumwavelengths (e.g., a combination of wavelengths to produce substantiallywhite light) or a monochromatic visible spectrum wavelength (e.g., redlight). In certain embodiments, the primary illumination ismonochromatic illumination including near-infrared light.

The bioptic barcode reader 702 further includes a controller 716. Thecontroller 716 may be communicatively connected with the primary imagerassembly 712, the primary illumination assembly 714, and the secondaryimager assembly 704.

The secondary imager assembly 704 includes one or more secondary imagers(not shown). The one or more secondary imagers are configured to captureone or more second images of the one or more target objects when theprimary illumination assembly 714 is in either of the enabled state orthe disabled state. In certain embodiments, the one or more secondaryimagers are configured to capture one or more second images of the oneor more target objects only when the primary illumination assembly 714is in the disabled state.

The secondary imager assembly 704 is positioned above the biopticbarcode reader 702 to increase the bioptic barcode reader's 702 abilityto capture images of items (e.g., the one or more target objects) whenthey are placed anywhere on the scanning platform 708. To illustrate,and in reference to FIG. 7B, the one or more secondary imagers includean optical FOV 718. The secondary imager assembly 704 is positionedabove the bioptic barcode reader 702 such that the optical FOV 718 (i)includes all of the scanning platform 708 and (ii) is unobscured by theupright scanning tower 710. Thus, positioning the secondary imagerassembly 704 as discussed herein, and as illustrated in FIG. 7B,increases the bioptic barcode reader's 702 ability to capture images ofitems placed anywhere on the scanning platform 708 because the secondaryimager assembly 704 has an unobscured optical FOV 718 covering theentire scanning platform 708.

In certain embodiments, the secondary imager assembly 704 is positionedabove the bioptic barcode reader 702 by attaching the secondary imagerassembly 704 to at least one of (i) a pole attached to the biopticbarcode reader 702, (ii) a pole detached from the bioptic barcode reader702, (iii) a bracket attached to the bioptic barcode reader 702, (iv) abracket detached from the bioptic barcode reader 702, and (v) a displaydisplaced above the bioptic barcode reader 702. Further in theseembodiments, the secondary imager assembly 704 is adjustably positionedabove the bioptic barcode reader 702.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7C, the secondary imager assembly704 is positioned above the bioptic barcode reader 702 by attaching thesecondary imager assembly 704 to a pole 722 attached to the biopticbarcode reader 702. The pole 722 may be adjustable to allow a user toselect an optimal position for the secondary imager assembly 704 abovethe bioptic barcode reader 702. To illustrate, one or more of the one ormore target objects may be large objects requiring substantial verticalclearance to pass across the scanning platform 708 without contactingthe secondary imager assembly 704 or obscuring the optical FOV 718.Thus, a user may adjust the position of the secondary imager assembly704 above the bioptic barcode reader 702 (via the pole 722) such thatthe one or more target objects have clearance to pass across thescanning platform 708 without contacting the secondary imager assembly704 or obscuring the optical FOV 718.

FIG. 8A illustrates another example composite system 800 of a biopticbarcode reader 802 and a color camera assembly (e.g., secondary imagerassembly 804). The bioptic barcode reader 802 includes a housing 806,which includes a substantially horizontal imaging window 808 and anupright scanning tower 810. The upright scanning tower 810 includes asubstantially vertical imaging window (not shown).

The bioptic barcode reader 802 further includes a primary imagerassembly 812. The primary imager assembly 812 includes one or moreprimary imagers (not shown) that are positioned within the housing 806.The one or more primary imagers are configured to capture one or morefirst images of one or more barcodes of one or more target objects.

The bioptic barcode reader 802 further includes a primary illuminationassembly 814 positioned within the housing 806. The primary illuminationassembly 814 is operable in an enabled state and a disabled state.Moreover, in the enabled state, the primary illumination assembly 814 isconfigured to emit primary illumination optimized for capturing the oneor more first images of the one or more barcodes. For example, in theenabled state, the primary illumination assembly 814 may emit theprimary illumination as a combination of a variety visible spectrumwavelengths (e.g., a combination of wavelengths to produce substantiallywhite light) or a monochromatic visible spectrum wavelength (e.g., redlight). In certain embodiments, the primary illumination ismonochromatic illumination including near-infrared light.

The bioptic barcode reader 802 further includes a controller 816. Thecontroller 816 may be communicatively connected with the primary imagerassembly 812, the primary illumination assembly 814, and the secondaryimager assembly 804.

The secondary imager assembly 804 is configured to capture one or moresecond images of the one or more target objects when the primaryillumination assembly 814 is in either of the enabled state or thedisabled state. In certain embodiments, the secondary imager assembly804 is configured to capture one or more second images of the one ormore target objects only when the primary illumination assembly 814 isin the disabled state.

The secondary imager assembly 804 includes a first secondary imager 818.The first secondary imager 818 is positioned at a first corner of theupright scanning tower 810 and in front of the substantially verticalimaging window. Moreover, and in reference to FIG. 8B, the firstsecondary imager 818 has a first optical FOV 822.

The secondary imager assembly 804 includes a second secondary imager820, which has a second optical FOV 824, when considered in tandem withthe first secondary imager 818, is positioned to increase the biopticbarcode reader's 802 visibility across the substantially horizontalimaging window 808, including areas beyond the substantially horizontalimaging window 808. To illustrate, the second secondary imager 820 ispositioned at a second corner of the upright scanning tower 810 and infront of the substantially vertical imaging window such that an overlapof the first optical FOV 822 with the second optical FOV 824 occurs atleast until the distal end of the substantially horizontal imagingwindow 808 with respect to the upright scanning tower 810. Thus,positioning the secondary imager assembly 804 in the way describedherein, and as illustrated in FIG. 8B, increases the bioptic barcodereader's 802 visibility across the substantially horizontal imagingwindow 808 because the optical FOVs 822, 824 overlap at least until thedistal (e.g., far) end of the substantially horizontal imaging window808 with respect to the upright scanning tower 810.

Additionally, this positioning increases the bioptic barcode reader's802 visibility across areas beyond the substantially horizontal imagingwindow 808. For example, a POS station may have a conveyor belt leadingto the bioptic barcode reader 802 to bring one or more target objectscloser to the bioptic barcode reader 802 so that the one or more targetobjects may be scanned, imaged, or otherwise identified. Similarly, thePOS station may have a bagging area on the opposite side from theconveyor belt so that the one or more target objects may be bagged afterthey have been identified. Thus, the secondary imager assembly's 804positioning increases the bioptic barcode reader's 802 visibility acrossareas beyond the substantially horizontal imaging window 808 because, asillustrated in FIG. 8B, the optical FOVs 822, 824 extend into areasadjacent to the substantially horizontal imaging window 808 (e.g., aconveyor belt, a bagging area, etc.). With increased visibility acrossareas beyond the substantially horizontal imaging window 808, thebioptic barcode reader 802 can more effectively identify, track, orotherwise indicate any item that was, for example, not scanned by acashier, intentionally stolen, or subject to “sweethearting”.

In certain embodiments, the housing 806 further comprises a scanningplatform (not shown). The scanning platform includes the substantiallyhorizontal imaging window. In these embodiments, the overlap of thefirst optical FOV 822 with the second optical FOV 824 occurs at leastuntil the distal end of the scanning platform.

In other embodiments, either of the first secondary imager 818 or thesecond secondary imager 820 is adjustably positioned on the uprightscanning tower 810.

Antitheft devices are gaining traction at many retail stores throughoutthe world due, in part, to the large amount of inventory shrinkagetaking place. At POS stations, traditional methods involve antitheftdevices installed in the ceiling or some distance from the POS station.It is desirable to stamp the images obtained by any antitheft system ata POS station with either the decode or time from the POS. However, ifthe antitheft imaging device is positioned away from the POS station,physically wiring the imaging device to the POS system to obtain thisstamping information is difficult. This added difficulty translates toadded cost and effort to install a POS antitheft device.

FIG. 9 illustrates a bioptic barcode reading system 900 in accordancewith several of the embodiments discussed herein. The bioptic barcodereading system 900 includes one or more processors 902, a housing 904, apole display 906, and a secondary imager assembly 908. The pole display906 is connected to the housing 904. The pole display 906 may becommunicatively coupled to the one or more processors 902, the primaryimager assembly 910, the primary illumination assembly 912, thecontroller 914, and the secondary imager assembly 908. For example, thepole display 906 may display the weight and cost of items (e.g., one ormore target objects) weighed and identified by the bioptic barcodereading system 900.

The bioptic barcode reading system 900 further includes a primary imagerassembly 910, which is positioned within the housing 904. The primaryimager assembly 910 includes one or more primary imagers (not shown)that are communicatively coupled to the one or more processors 902. Theone or more primary imagers are configured to capture one or more imagesof one or more barcodes of one or more target objects.

The bioptic barcode reading system 900 further includes a primaryillumination assembly 912. The primary illumination assembly 912 ispositioned within the housing 904, and is operable in an enabled stateand a disabled state. The primary illumination assembly 912 isconfigured to, in the enabled state, emit primary illumination optimizedfor capturing the one or more images of the one or more barcodes in theenabled state. For example, in the enabled state, the primaryillumination assembly 714 may emit the primary illumination as acombination of a variety visible spectrum wavelengths (e.g., acombination of wavelengths to produce substantially white light) or amonochromatic visible spectrum wavelength (e.g., red light). In certainembodiments, the primary illumination is monochromatic illuminationincluding near-infrared light.

The bioptic barcode reading system 900 further includes a controller914. The controller 914 may be communicatively connected with theprimary imager assembly 910, the primary illumination assembly 912, thepole display 906, and the secondary imager assembly 908.

The secondary imager assembly 908 includes one or more secondary imagers(not shown) configured to capture one or more second images of the oneor more target objects when the primary illumination assembly 912 is ineither of the enabled state or the disabled state. In certainembodiments, the secondary imager assembly 908 is configured to captureone or more second images of the one or more target objects only whenthe primary illumination assembly 912 is in the disabled state.

The secondary imager assembly 908 is mounted on the pole display 906,and is communicatively coupled to the one or more processors 902. Incertain embodiments, the secondary imager assembly 908 is mounted insidethe pole display 906, and communicatively coupled to the one or moreprocessors 902. Moreover, in other embodiments, the secondary imagerassembly 908 is adjustably mounted on the pole display 906.

Mounting the secondary imager assembly 908 on the pole display 906 andcommunicatively coupling the secondary imager assembly 908 to the one ormore processors 902 of the bioptic barcode reading system 900 greatlyincreases the efficacy of POS antitheft efforts. For example, thesecondary imager assembly 908 can associate the decode and/or timestamping data from the bioptic barcode reading system 900 with the oneor more captured second images of the one or more target objects becauseit is communicatively coupled with the one or more processors 902 viathe pole display 906.

The secondary imager assembly 908 would also be ideally located to checkthe contents of a shopping cart based on its location proximate to thecustomer at the POS station. For example, the secondary imager assembly908 could be oriented to check the contents of a customer's shoppingcart at the end of a sale to determine if the shopping cart is empty.Additionally or alternatively, the secondary imager assembly 908 couldbe configured to determine if every item in the customer's shopping cartis placed in a bag, as a final check to determine every item was, infact, paid for.

The secondary imager assembly 908 would further be ideally located tocheck items (e.g., one or more target objects) as they pass through thePOS station. For example, the secondary imager assembly 908 may beoriented to check items on a conveyor belt leading up to and/or awayfrom the bioptic barcode reading system 900. In this orientation, thesecondary imager assembly 908 could be configured to count the number ofitems entering and/or leaving the bioptic barcode reading system 900FOV.

The secondary imager assembly 908 may also be ideally located toidentify potential “ticket switching” of items passed through thebioptic barcode reading system 900 FOV. For example, the secondaryimager assembly 908 may be positioned such that the one or more secondimages captured of a target object are sufficient to determine amismatch between the product passed through the bioptic barcode readingsystem 900 FOV and the barcode captured by the primary imager assembly910.

Bioptic systems use color cameras for a multitude of different objectand gesture recognition purposes at the point of sale. Ideally, such acamera is illuminated with white light to retain the best colorinformation to aid in object identification. However, addingillumination inside a bioptic vertical tower according to traditionalmethods is extremely problematic, as it causes internal reflections thatare seen in the color camera FOV. Additionally, color cameras shouldhave a very tall FOV in order to see even the largest objects, so anyillumination source placed inside the vertical tower to cover such atall FOV will inevitably blind the user.

FIG. 10 illustrates a conventional bioptic scanning device 1000utilizing an internal color camera 1002 and an internal illuminationsource 1004, wherein the internal illumination source 1004 interfereswith the internal color camera 1002. The conventional bioptic scanningdevice 1000 further includes a color camera FOV 1006, a scanning platter1008, an internal illumination path 1010, a first imaging window 1012,and a second imaging window 1014.

The illumination emitted by the internal illumination source 1004reflects off of the imaging windows 1012, 1014, as illustrated by theinternal illumination path 1010, into the color camera FOV 1006. Thisunintentional illumination of the color camera FOV 1006 distorts imagescaptured by the internal color camera 1002, degrades the motionsensitivity of the internal color camera 1002, and can increase theinternal color camera's 1002 exposure time necessary to capture imagesof the object of interest.

To solve these and other problems, and with reference to FIG. 11A, anillumination adapter 1100 for use with a bioptic barcode reader isdisclosed. The illumination adapter 1100 includes one or moreillumination components (not shown) having an effective range. Theillumination adapter 1100 further includes a first surface 1102 shapedto receive the one or more illumination components, and a bottom portion1104 situated below the one or more illumination components. In certainembodiments, and as discussed further herein, the illumination adapteralso includes one or more cavities 1106, and one or more baffles 1108.In other embodiments, the first surface 1102 is a first planar surface.

The bottom portion 1104, in reference to the combined system 1120illustrated in FIG. 11B, is adapted to detachably connect to the biopticbarcode reader 1122, and the one or more illumination components arepositioned such that the effective range 1124 is both (i) unobscured bya top flange 1126 of the bioptic barcode reader 1122 and (ii)illuminates at least a majority of a weighing platter 1128 of thebioptic barcode reader 1122. In other embodiments, the bottom portion1104 is adapted to detachably connect to the bioptic barcode reader. Inone embodiment, the bottom portion 1104 is adapted to detachably connectto the bioptic barcode reader by at least one of (i) snaps, (ii) doublesided adhesive, and (iii) screws. In another embodiment, the bottomportion 1104 is adapted to detachably connect to a bracket displacedabove the bioptic barcode reader by at least one of (i) snaps, (ii)double sided adhesive, and (iii) screws. Additionally, the bottomportion 1104 may be adjustable such that the illumination adapter 1100may be moved horizontally (i.e., forwards, backwards, and/or laterally),moved vertically, tilted, rotated, and/or otherwise shifted with respectto the bioptic barcode reader 1122.

In other embodiments, the illumination adapter 1100 includes a topportion 1110 situated above the one or more illumination components. Thetop portion 1110 is adapted to detachably connect to at least one of (i)a monitor (not shown) above the bioptic barcode reader 1122 or (ii) abracket (not shown) above the bioptic barcode reader 1122. Moreover, theone or more illumination components are positioned such that theeffective range 1124 is both (i) unobscured by a top flange 1126 of thebioptic barcode reader 1122 and (ii) illuminates at least a majority ofa weighing platter 1128 of the bioptic barcode reader 1122. Further inthese embodiments, the top portion 1110 is connected substantiallyperpendicular to the first surface 1102. Still further in theseembodiments, the top portion 1110 is adapted to detachably connect tothe at least one of (i) a monitor (not shown) above the bioptic barcodereader 1122 or (ii) a bracket (not shown) above the bioptic barcodereader 1122 by at least one of (i) snaps, (ii) double sided adhesive,and (iii) screws. Additionally, the top portion 1110 may be adjustablesuch that the illumination adapter 1100 may be moved horizontally (i.e.,forwards, backwards, and/or laterally), moved vertically, tilted,rotated, and/or otherwise shifted with respect to the bioptic barcodereader 1122.

In certain embodiments, the first surface 1102 is further shaped toinclude one or more cavities 1106 to receive the one or moreillumination components, and the bottom portion 1104 is connectedsubstantially perpendicular to the first surface 1102. The one or morecavities 1106 facilitate the inclusion of the one or more illuminationcomponents, and provide openings for the one or more illuminationcomponents to illuminate the weighing platter 1128 across the effectiverange 1124. For example, the one or more cavities 1106 may be spaced asfar right and as far left as possible on the first surface 1102. Thismaximized spacing across the first surface 1102 further enhances theimaging effectiveness of the bioptic barcode reader 1122 by reducing thespecular reflections from objects being imaged.

Advantageously, and as illustrated in FIG. 11B, the effective range 1124covers the entirety of a color camera FOV 1130. Thus, and as discussedherein, the one or more cavities 1106 allow the one or more illuminationcomponents to completely illuminate any objects passing through thecolor camera FOV 1130 without distorting or otherwise negativelyimpacting the resulting images of the color camera. These advantagesallow the combined system 1120 to capture more representative imagesthan traditional systems, which further allows the combined system 1120to more effectively perform machine learning (e.g., convolutional neuralnetwork) for faster, more reliable object identification.

In other embodiments, the first surface 1102 vertically extends up to 7inches from the weighing platter 1128 of the bioptic barcode reader1122. For example, and as illustrated by the profile view 1140 in FIG.11C, the illumination adapter 1100 is positioned above the biopticbarcode reader 1122 such that the effective range 1124 is unobscured bythe top flange 1126 of the bioptic barcode reader 1100. If the firstsurface 1102 extends vertically extends up to 7 inches from the weighingplatter 1128, the illumination adapter 1100 would fit within theexisting gap between the bioptic barcode reader 1100 and other auxiliaryequipment while still providing illumination defined by an effectiverange 1124 which is both (i) unobscured by the top flange 1126 of thebioptic barcode reader 1122 and (ii) illuminates at least a majority ofthe weighing platter 1128 of the bioptic barcode reader 1122.

In particular embodiments, the illumination adapter 1100 furtherincludes one or more baffles 1108 coupled to the first surface 1102. Theone or more baffles 1108 are configured to block at least an upperportion of the effective range 1124 of the one or more illuminationcomponents. Hence, the one or more baffles 1108 minimize eye annoyanceto the user of the bioptic barcode reader because the effective range1124 of the one or more illumination components will not extend highenough to reach the user's FOV. Moreover, the one or more baffles 1108may be adjustable or interchangeable to further modify the effectiverange 1124.

In other embodiments, and as illustrated in the combined system 1200 ofFIG. 12A, the illumination adapter 1100 includes an imager assembly 1202including one or more imagers configured to capture one or more imagesof one or more target objects. The first surface 1102 is further shapedto include one or more secondary cavities 1204 to receive at least aportion of the imager assembly 1202. The imager assembly 1202 also has asecond effective range 1206, which may extend beyond the effective range1124 of the one or more illumination components and/or the color cameraFOV 1130. In this way, the imager assembly 1202 provides the combinedsystem 1200 with a greater FOV than a system including only the one ormore illumination components. For example, and as illustrated by theprofile view 1220 in FIG. 12B, the second effective range 1206 extendsbeyond the color camera FOV 1130. Thus, the system illustrated in theprofile view 1220 of FIG. 12B has a higher combined FOV for colorimaging, and allows for color imaging in systems where a color imager isnot included internally.

In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have beendescribed. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates thatvarious modifications and changes can be made without departing from thescope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly,the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrativerather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intendedto be included within the scope of present teachings. Additionally, thedescribed embodiments/examples/implementations should not be interpretedas mutually exclusive, and should instead be understood as potentiallycombinable if such combinations are permissive in any way. In otherwords, any feature disclosed in any of the aforementionedembodiments/examples/implementations may be included in any of the otheraforementioned embodiments/examples/implementations.

The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) thatmay cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become morepronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essentialfeatures or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is definedsolely by the appended claims including any amendments made during thependency of this application and all equivalents of those claims asissued.

Moreover in this document, relational terms such as first and second,top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish oneentity or action from another entity or action without necessarilyrequiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between suchentities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “has”,“having,” “includes”, “including,” “contains”, “containing” or any othervariation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, suchthat a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has,includes, contains a list of elements does not include only thoseelements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherentto such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by“comprises . . . a”, “has . . . a”, “includes . . . a”, “contains . . .a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence ofadditional identical elements in the process, method, article, orapparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains the element. The terms“a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless explicitly statedotherwise herein. The terms “substantially”, “essentially”,“approximately”, “about” or any other version thereof, are defined asbeing close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and inone non-limiting embodiment the term is defined to be within 10%, inanother embodiment within 5%, in another embodiment within 1% and inanother embodiment within 0.5%. The term “coupled” as used herein isdefined as connected, although not necessarily directly and notnecessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is “configured” ina certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also beconfigured in ways that are not listed.

It will be appreciated that some embodiments may be comprised of one ormore generic or specialized processors (or “processing devices”) such asmicroprocessors, digital signal processors, customized processors andfield programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and unique stored programinstructions (including both software and firmware) that control the oneor more processors to implement, in conjunction with certainnon-processor circuits, some, most, or all of the functions of themethod and/or apparatus described herein. Alternatively, some or allfunctions could be implemented by a state machine that has no storedprogram instructions, or in one or more application specific integratedcircuits (ASICs), in which each function or some combinations of certainof the functions are implemented as custom logic. Of course, acombination of the two approaches could be used.

Moreover, an embodiment can be implemented as a computer-readablestorage medium having computer readable code stored thereon forprogramming a computer (e.g., comprising a processor) to perform amethod as described and claimed herein. Examples of suchcomputer-readable storage mediums include, but are not limited to, ahard disk, a CD-ROM, an optical storage device, a magnetic storagedevice, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read OnlyMemory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an EEPROM(Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and a Flashmemory. Further, it is expected that one of ordinary skill,notwithstanding possibly significant effort and many design choicesmotivated by, for example, available time, current technology, andeconomic considerations, when guided by the concepts and principlesdisclosed herein will be readily capable of generating such softwareinstructions and programs and ICs with minimal experimentation.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader toquickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It issubmitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpretor limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in theforegoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features aregrouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamliningthe disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted asreflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require morefeatures than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as thefollowing claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than allfeatures of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claimsare hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claimstanding on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bioptic barcode reading device comprising: ahousing; a primary imager assembly including one or more primary imagerspositioned within the housing, the one or more primary imagersconfigured to read one or more barcodes associated with one or moretarget objects; a primary illumination assembly positioned within thehousing, wherein the primary illumination assembly is operable in anenabled state and a disabled state, and wherein the primary illuminationassembly is configured to emit primary illumination optimized forreading the one or more barcodes in the enabled state; and a secondaryimager assembly including one or more secondary imagers configured tocapture one or more secondary images of the one or more target objectswhen the primary illumination assembly is in either of the enabled stateor the disabled state.
 2. The bioptic barcode reading device of claim 1,further comprising: a controller configured to sequentially capture (i)a plurality of primary images of the one or more barcodes with theprimary imager assembly and (ii) a plurality of the one or more imageswith the secondary imager assembly, wherein the plurality of primaryimages of the one or more barcodes are sequenced between the pluralityof the one or more secondary images.
 3. The bioptic barcode readingdevice of claim 2, wherein: the secondary imager assembly is positionedexternally from the housing; and the controller is further configuredto: output a trigger signal to the secondary imager assembly to enablefunctionality of the second imager assembly to capture the plurality ofthe one or more secondary images.
 4. The bioptic barcode reading deviceof claim 1, wherein the primary illumination is monochromaticillumination including near-infrared light.
 5. The bioptic barcodereading device of claim 1, wherein the primary imager assembly is abioptic camera positioned at a surface of a point of sale station, andwherein the secondary imager assembly is a color camera positioned at anarea above the surface of the point of sale station.
 6. A barcode readercomprising: a housing; an external-device-interface positioned at leastpartially within the housing; a primary imaging assembly positionedwithin the housing and configured to capture a plurality of images of anenvironment appearing within a field of view (FOV) of the primaryimaging assembly, the primary imaging assembly being configured tocapture the plurality of images at a predetermined framerate; a primaryillumination assembly positioned within the housing and configured toprovide primary illumination over at least a portion of the environmentappearing within a FOV of the primary imaging assembly; and a controllercommunicatively coupled to the primary imaging assembly, the primaryillumination assembly, and the external-device-interface, the controllerhaving a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions that,when executed by the processor, cause the controller to: transmit animage-capture signal to the primary imaging assembly, the image-capturesignal causing the primary imaging assembly to capture a series ofprimary image frames, each of the series of primary image frames beingcaptured over a respective first duration D1, each of the series ofprimary image frames being separated from another one of the series ofprimary image frames by a respective second duration D2, a beginning ofeach of the series of primary image frames being separated from abeginning of each subsequent one of the series of primary image framesby a third duration D3; transmit a primary-illumination-on signal to theprimary illumination assembly, the primary-illumination-on signalcausing the primary illumination assembly to emit the primaryillumination having a series of primary illumination pulses, each of theseries of primary illumination pulses being emitted over a respectivefourth duration D4, each of the series of primary illumination pulsesbeing separated from another one of the series of primary illuminationpulses by a respective fifth duration D5; and transmit, substantiallyconcurrently with the transmission of the primary-illumination-onsignal, an interleave signal to the external-device-interface, theinterleave signal being operative to communicate, via theexternal-device-interface, at least one characteristic associated withat least one of the primary-illumination-on signal and the image-capturesignal.
 7. The barcode reader of claim 6, wherein the respective firstduration D1 is equal to the respective fourth duration D4, and whereinthe respective second duration D2 is equal to the respective fifthduration D5.
 8. The barcode reader of claim 6, wherein the at least onecharacteristic is at least one of a length of (i) the respective firstduration D1, (ii) the respective second duration D2, (iii) therespective third duration D3, (iv) the respective fourth duration D4,and (v) the respective fifth duration D5.
 9. The barcode reader of claim6, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, furthercause the controller to transmit the image-capture signal to the primaryimaging assembly before the controller transmits theprimary-illumination-on signal to the primary illumination assembly. 10.The barcode reader of claim 6, wherein the instructions, when executedby the processor, further cause the controller to transmit both theprimary-illumination-on signal to the primary illumination assembly andtransmit the image-capture signal to the primary imaging assemblysimultaneously.
 11. A barcode reader comprising: a housing; anexternal-device-interface positioned at least partially within thehousing; a primary imaging assembly positioned within the housing, theprimary imaging assembly including one or more primary imagers with afield-of-view (FOV), the one or more primary imagers configured tocapture a plurality of first images of an environment appearing withinthe FOV during a scanning session, wherein the scanning session includesone or more frames, and wherein the one or more primary imagers captureseach of the plurality of first images during a respective first durationof each of the one or more frames of the scanning session, and whereinthe primary imaging assembly is configured to capture the plurality offirst images at a predetermined framerate; a primary illuminationassembly positioned within the housing configured to provide a primaryillumination to at least a portion of the environment, wherein theprimary illumination assembly provides the primary illumination as aseries of primary illumination pulses, and wherein each of the series ofprimary illumination pulses is emitted during a respective secondduration of each of the one or more frames of the scanning session, andwherein the respective second duration is different from the respectivefirst duration; and a controller operatively coupled to the primaryimaging assembly, the primary illumination assembly, and theexternal-device-interface, the controller having a processor and amemory, the memory storing instructions that, when executed by theprocessor, cause the controller to: transmit a primary-illumination-onsignal to the primary illumination assembly, the primary-illumination-onsignal causing the primary illumination assembly to emit the primaryillumination during the respective second duration; transmit animage-capture signal to the primary imaging assembly, the image-capturesignal causing the primary imaging assembly to capture a series ofprimary image frames, each of the series of primary image frames beingcaptured over the respective first duration; and transmit, substantiallyconcurrently with the transmission of the primary-illumination-onsignal, an interleave signal to the external-device-interface, theinterleave signal being operative to communicate, via theexternal-device-interface, at least one characteristic associated withat least one of the primary-illumination-on signal and the image-capturesignal.
 12. The barcode reader of claim 11, wherein the respective firstduration is equal to the respective second duration.
 13. The barcodereader of claim 11, wherein the at least one characteristic is at leastone of a length of (i) the respective first duration and (ii) therespective second duration.
 14. The barcode reader of claim 11, whereinthe instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause thecontroller to transmit the image-capture signal to the primary imagingassembly before the controller transmits the primary-illumination-onsignal to the primary illumination assembly.
 15. The barcode reader ofclaim 11, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor,further cause the controller to transmit the primary-illumination-onsignal to the primary illumination assembly and transmit theimage-capture signal to the primary imaging assembly simultaneously. 16.A barcode reader comprising: a housing; an external-device-interfacepositioned at least partially within the housing; a primary imagingassembly including one or more primary imagers positioned within thehousing, the one or more primary imagers configured to capture aplurality of first images of an environment appearing within the FOVduring a scanning session, wherein the scanning session includes one ormore frames; a primary illumination assembly positioned within thehousing, wherein the primary illumination assembly is configured toprovide a primary illumination to at least a portion of the environment;and a controller operatively coupled to the primary imaging assembly,the primary illumination assembly, and the external-device-interface,the controller having a processor and a memory, the memory storinginstructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the controllerto: (a) output (i) a primary-illumination-on signal and (ii) animage-capture signal, wherein the primary-illumination-on signal causesthe primary illumination assembly to provide the primary illumination,and wherein the image-capture signal causes the primary imaging assemblyto capture a respective first image of the plurality of first images;(b) transmit, substantially concurrently with the transmission of theprimary-illumination-on signal, an interleave signal to theexternal-device-interface, the interleave signal being operative tocommunicate, via the external-device-interface, at least onecharacteristic associated with at least one of theprimary-illumination-on signal and the image-capture signal; and (c)iteratively perform steps (a)-(c) for each respective frame of thescanning session.
 17. The barcode reader of claim 16, wherein the atleast one characteristic is at least one of a duration of (i) theprimary imaging assembly capturing a respective first image of theplurality of first images and (ii) the primary illumination assemblyproviding the primary illumination in a respective frame of the scanningsession.
 18. The barcode reader of claim 16, wherein the instructions,when executed by the processor, further cause the controller to transmitthe image-capture signal to the primary imaging assembly after thecontroller transmits the primary-illumination-on signal to the primaryillumination assembly.
 19. The barcode reader of claim 16, wherein theinstructions, when executed by the processor, further cause thecontroller to transmit the image-capture signal to the primary imagingassembly before the controller transmits the primary-illumination-onsignal to the primary illumination assembly.
 20. The barcode reader ofclaim 16, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor,further cause the controller to transmit the primary-illumination-onsignal to the primary illumination assembly and transmit theimage-capture signal to the primary imaging assembly simultaneously.